4,031 comments:

They were sure chasing those points last spring! How is it that the New Jersey Wildcats Calvert Crew and STA are "chasing points" by playing the EDP league this fall but when PDA and match fit do it it's not "chasing points". All these teams are doing is going out and playing against the best competition they can find. Its fun, you should try it. Call it chasing points if you want to but I bet if your team would actually catch some of those points every once in a while you would be singing a different tune. We'll miss you at Jeff Cup though, the second flight just wnot be the same without you!

Our GK injured herself last night at practice, and will probably miss Jeff Cup. I just went from hopeful to mopeful, damn. I hate it when we have to throw field players into goal. A GK shirt and gloves, a GK does not make, damn.

When was the last time Storm won a first flight of an event? Actually when was the last time Storm beat any top team at an event? As best as I can tell it's never happened. You can say they don't need to but what's the fun in that? You can only rest on the laurels built by your clubs name for so long. We both know the real reason you don't enter these top events is because you know you don't have the team to win them, at least not yet. You need to recruit better players this spring and continually losing tournaments is hurting your cause. I get it, it's business. And if PDA is good at anything, it's business.

6:44 you hit the nail right on the head.Storm keeps using past pda teams to make claim they will be a great team.But every team at pda isn't all that, some are, some aren't, each age group is different.Each team has to set their own mark in the end regardless of club.Facts are every time Storm has stepped out of their ecnl cocoon they have been spanked by non -ecnl teams in the past year, losing to NJX, Wildcats, Sachem, Calvert Crew, even tieing the club pda calls 2nd tier academy(STA).Truth is we have seen nothing from Storm to date to show they will be anything but a disappointment to their club.NO PDA Team in recent history has done more talking and accomplished less on the field than Storm.Let's face facts at this points it's their own club,the PDA management who has now stepped in to forbid them to enter any tournaments outside of ecnl events because Storm's ineptitude is now hurting the PDA brand.The club is just trying to limit the damage until they can get to tryouts and put a representative team together for U14 ECNL.Heard from a good source there will be multiple changes on Storm roster going into next fall.Can't wait to see the look on some of these parents faces when the bottom falls out and their child gets the pink slip or demotion to the B or C Team.

8:10 I disagree - You will never see the real Storm. They are an ECNL team that has a roster of 18+. The 18+ need to play as well so the coach can make a decision on the players. Those are the players you will see at non-ecnl events, I get the win is a resume builder for Calvert, but for Storm it was a local tournament that they should have won that they didn't. Those kids are on the hook for that and will have to answer for it so 8:10 I believe what you are saying about changes next fall. I feel bad fof the kids - but as 8:19 said that is what happens

"6:44 you hit the nail right on the head.Storm keeps using past pda teams to make claim they will be a great team.But every team at pda isn't all that, some are, some aren't, each age group is different.Each team has to set their own mark in the end regardless of club.Facts are every time Storm has stepped out of their ecnl cocoon they have been spanked by non -ecnl teams in the past year, losing to NJX, Wildcats, Sachem, Calvert Crew, even tieing the club pda calls 2nd tier academy(STA).Truth is we have seen nothing from Storm to date to show they will be anything but a disappointment to their club.NO PDA Team in recent history has done more talking and accomplished less on the field than Storm.Let's face facts at this points it's their own club,the PDA management who has now stepped in to forbid them to enter any tournaments outside of ecnl events because Storm's ineptitude is now hurting the PDA brand.The club is just trying to limit the damage until they can get to tryouts and put a representative team together for U14 ECNL.Heard from a good source there will be multiple changes on Storm roster going into next fall.Can't wait to see the look on some of these parents faces when the bottom falls out and their child gets the pink slip or demotion to the B or C Team."

People believe what they so desperately want to believe.

Classic example of a person needing this to be true so badly to make himself feel better about being on the outside looking in.

Its just soccer, if you daughter is a great player she will do just fine.

Maybe 5 of those wins were vs top flight teams. So 5w 4t 2l vs top flight comp.good but certainly not what you would expect from top team in Region 1 they claim to be.GS Guy put up FCV record at U13 so far for a comparison with the real top team in Region 1.

What it shows me is they are not as good as first flight teams they lost to Calvert(2-3), Cinncinnati(0-2), and Wildcats(0-2). They are about as good as third flight team STA who they tied 0-0, and slightly better than forth flight team Athletico who they beat 2-1.

Last Spring they got knocked out of NJ state cup by what is now Match Fits B team, and although a "finalist" at regionals went 2-2-1 there losing to FSA's B team and tying and then losing to the Sachem Speed(Nat #109). I'm sorry no one believes you weren't "playing to win" at regionals.

As far as those league results, first they are NOT Pre-ECNL champs. They are currently in first place with half a season to go. Even then there will be a playoff between the top four teams to determine the true champion. I've seen it said on here that Storm, unlike most teams, plays ther league to "win at all costs". Not dressing all there players and not giving any playing time even to some that do dress. Most coaches are , like 8:59 said, trying to get a good look at there entire 18-20+ roster to prepare for ECNL next year. Not Storm. The fact that Storm managed a couple 1 goal wins against them is less than impressive. Meet those same teams at a tournament( see FSA at EDP Cup) when BOTH teams put a priority on winning, and you get a different result.

Like I said, not worthy of top flight at a major. Why do you think PDA dad (or coach?) is constantly on here ripping other teams, clubs, and programs. He needs you to think your team is going down hill and if you have any hope of your daughter playing in college, you need to move her to PDA NOW! He knows they need those top players from those other teams to join Storm to truly make them an elite team. Maybe they will, we'll see. Be a real shame if one of those girls replaced was his daughter. Probably won't be PDA's #1 cheerleader then.

10:58 You are right about politics being a factor on Storm.One of the PDA coaches daughter is on that team. Why would anyone looking for elite level go to a team with same nepotism going on as at town level clubs.

Storm is not a happy group of parents right now. Nepotism is only one of their issues.Chemistry is not good and parents are all backbiting, knocking each others kids.Coach has little support, I agree changes are coming.

10:58 I love it when posters knock Storm - because they are so easy to defend. First every girl on the team represents the team so if they don't play the top half at EDP and lose to Calvert it's the same as them playing the top half and dropping to Cincinnati. 2 Ls in 19 games with a +30 GD - stop already. Going by your posts Pipeline is better than Calvert and Boca are better than the Wildcats - are we really playing this game?

Want to see Nepotism and politics go to the second best academy, not Sta. Someone sold entire team out and made sure nepotism and politics continued. At least PDA gets all of the girls in eventually. It goes on everywhere.

Its actually your assertion that they are a top flight tournament team that needs to be defended. You said it, while disparaging numerous other teams, so back it up.

Storms tournament record at 11 v 11(U-12 & U-13)

# tournaments entered 5# tournaments won 0

Overall tournament record 8-9-10GD +30

Not bad but 27 of those goals were scored against Strike(Nat #2689) 8-0, RI Strikers(Nat #1008) 11-0, and Cumberland YSA(Nat #1589) 8-0, so basically you beat up on rec teams.

But against top competition:

Top 1% Nationally0-3-3GD -4

Top 2% Nationally1-4-5GD -4

Additionally there are losses to FC Stars Central(Nat #238) 0-1, and Ohio Premier’s B team(Nat #459) 1-3 which aren't even included in that.

Compared to the top teams at Jeff, not good enough.

So like I said, if the tournament director didn’t know it was a PDA team they would be in the second bracket.

But you're right, you don’t need to defend their performance to us yahoos on the blog, but you do need to defend that to the girls who you want to leave their current teams and join the soap opera that is PDA Storm this spring.

They MIGHT be just fine if they can pick up some better players and get rid of some problems(incl certain parents) but right now they are not. Time will tell, but until then you might want to just keep your mouth shut.

Seems Pda is in the eye of the jealousy storm. this club may not be my cup of tea but the quality of soccer that these young ladies play is undeniable. I have not seen a bunch of teams play better quality.

While I like the quality and the players touches on the ball. I certainly see deficiencies on the field in creativity. As a collection of players your team is second to none but as individualistic creative players there are many players that may be better playing for other teams. But still it's a team game and in the end the team will always compete at highest brackets. Win lose or draw.

To all the jealous PDA folks out there (one coach in particular) - does the training at your clubs teach girls how to play pretty much any position on the field? Can your left wing play right back if needed? Can your striker play sweeper & vice versa without missing a beat? Does your coach ever change formation during a game with a simple instruction & all the girls know exactly where to go & what to do? How about using your goalie to switch the field from the back? How about maybe 5+ set plays off restarts depending on who is on field at the time? How about using your goalie to take a PK in shootouts?

Yes, yes(that would be my daughter) no(who still uses a sweeper, that's your goalie's job now), yes, yes, no(overteaching set plays is a questionable use of training time at u-13), and lastly why would she need to?

But if your team could actually execute all that, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

PDA can do the majority of those things which is most important and is about development. 2nd rate academy plays the same kids day in day out at the same positions and has no understanding of fundamentals. It is apparent PDA is about teaching correctly and development.

Versatility is key at this age. No girl should be playing the same position every game. Another major difference is the wide variety of trainers & coaches that the upper echelon of clubs have to offer. Having a variety of trainers & coaches teaching this wonderful game enhances development. I would not want my kid being instructed by just one person for an entire year. & I am a huge supporter of having separate game coaches & trainers. My daughter has been through both experiences - the one coach who does everything scenario & now with multiple trainers/coaches. Just from my experience, she has developed & learned much more with the latter.

3:32, I say bullshit to you and your tainted reply. My kid has a coach who implements a cirriculm that is devised by the DOC of our club, he is charged with following that to the letter. The result is a well-balanced, high-skilled player, who loves to compete, and is proud to wear her uniform.

P.S. I thought about saying to each their own, but you come across as an arrogant know-it-all, so I had to get a little ugly, sorry.

445 You totally missed my point. Let me ask you - do you think it is wise for girls at this age to play just one position? Do you think it is beneficial to have just one trainer/coach? I feel otherwise & I was just making the point that certain clubs are able to offer that while others can't. Just my opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

3:32 I agree with your post. I also think it is better for our kids to train with multiple trainers women/men all who played the game.

Not sure why 4:45 took your post they way they did. I am happy his/her kid is doing great in their system if they they think that's best for their kid.

I think a kid should train with their team, ODP or something similar. The kid will benefit from different voices and different styles more than the same voice. That one voice will have his/her favorites that play the game the way they teach it this benefits some like 4:45 but not all.

Regardless we all have opinions on what's best and that's why our kids are where they are.

1:03 thank you for the FCV vs Storm breakdown.The idea that you could look at those 2 different sets of games and results and come back and say in your opinion Storm has the better resume shows that while you are very good at looking up stats and research, your ability to analyse the results is severely lacking.form now on"Just the facts M'am".The number of quality wins and depth of quality opponents on FCV's schedule is staggering compared to Storms which has as many cupcakes as tough opponents.Obviously you are not familiar at all with the quality of the teams outside of Region 1 on FCV's list such as Atlanta Top Hat and others who are top class.

Playing a player at four or more different positions and having them move around, sounds like a great idea, and in some cases (playing against lesser opponents)it might be. But where as girls often have to be confident to play well, moving them around to multiple positions can also set them up for failure, instead of setting them up for success (which should be the goal). You can't tell me that having an inexperienced defender that will not play that position due to physical limitations, is gaining anything by going up against an experienced attacker. And the same can be said at any position. And lets stop patting ourselves on the back for having the keeper shoot a pk. You have obviouly drank some serious koolaid that management gave you. Drink up buddy and close your eyss when writing that check.

All I know is that when we played Storm they were't moving players around.Their best players started and played most of the game while the subs played but after a few minutes they were rotated out.And they only moving of positions I saw was in the first few minutes after we scored a quick goal they moved one of their best players back from an attacking position back to strengthen the defense which was under pressure.In other words they did everything they could to win both games.

eagles have been a top 5 tam in usa for some time. tri-state is top flight at jeff cup and has MANY quality wins and plays many top events.1 loss does not determine a teams quality.It's overall resume.cal teams on list are top notch and play elite events.

Clearly there is bad blood between STn and PDA coaches in this age group but to be fair they recently played to a tie so a bit unfair for pda coach to degrade them as 2nd rate.And please don't use excuse you didn't try because you played your subs as you just now stated you sub your full bench in regularly during your games and there is no drop off.

breakers also lost 0-2 to e meadow this season..would that loss and 3-6 loss to south shore have occurred at u12?Can you imagine breakers team at U12 giving up 6 goals to ANY team their own age?Not same team.

yes they lost to EM - but why would I bring that up I already said EM was one of the best teams in region 1 if not the best. Wait I can't say that I'm a shill, I take that back.

So you are saying the u12 team would have outscored the games I listed by more than +22 -dude they scored 4 or more goals against 7 strong teams what exactly are you saying? PS. They only did that 4 times against strong teams as a u12.

7:33 I agree - but they are still better than Tophat or BRYC and so is EM, that's all I'm saying.

If you are telling me the CA games put FCV over the top as far strength of schedule I really can't argue -but I can say GS doesn't tell the entire story so without seeing them play I'm lost. Look at Calvert they are number 1 in MD and only have 2 wins outside of EDP teams and one is against FSA - but who knows with that club -they are up to some shady business when it comes to GS, Their 3rd team is ranked higher than their Pre-ECNL and NPL teams because of their GS account management skills which skewed any GS event any of the 3 teams played in.

So maybe I see things a little different - but don't say I lack the skills to analyse m'AM'

Hey 7:48 -Eagles CA South won the coast soccer league and were champions of the last Dallas Cup(over Dallas Texans among other national power clubs/teams).Anaheim Surf won the Legends Classic and the United Cup.If you are not familiar with them then as stated you are not qualified/knowledgeable enough to analyse results among top teams at this age group.Saying those results vs top Cal Teams don't count because you are not familiar with them is like saying Rutgers win over Penn State this fall doesn't count on their resume because you personally are from the west coast and not familiar with Penn States Team.

Comparing D1 college teams and their rankings to U13 Girls and their GS rankings is idiotic. Are you kidding me 9:42??? The previous post is right, if you haven't seen them personally, then you really don't know shit. GS rankings are like a smart blondes. Fun to look at but not a part of reality.

So according to your logic 11:12 if one of our region 1 teams goes out and wins top flight at Dallas Cup, Surf Cup or Disney their wins there vs some of the top clubs in the US will not count as significant wins because YOU haven't seen those teams play?Now who is the idiot?

Really 11:12 it's an analogy that 9:42 was using.No one is comparing rankings of college teams vs U13 Teams.Sorry that one went over your head.Love your analogy though,"GS rankings are like a smart blondes, fun to look at but not a part of reality". WHAAAT?

My comment based on the fact that very few on this blog even know who the top club are. How are you defining them as top clubs? Because of their inflated chased down GS points (which in many cases is a joke). How many times has your own team geared up to play what is considered a top team, only to find out they weren't. You can talk like a self proclaimed soccer "GS physicist" and swamee of all great teams. But you really have no idea. I have traveled with multiple kids and all over the country expecting a tough game, and finding it was a waste of time and money in many showcase tourneys that weren't. So yes, If you didn't see who FVC played personally, you don't know shit. Come out of the bubble wrap that surrounds your soccer world. Just saying

The difference is FCV wins at tournaments when it matters. Storm looks real good against other teams subs(the girls who don't get much playing time at tournaments) but against other teams "A" lineup, they can't hang.

10.:56 FCV just won the top flight at Disney tournament last month.If you think that is not one of the most competitive tournaments out there EVERY YEAR then you have identified yourself as a know nothing.As far as the Coast Soccer League in CAS, that is one of the most competitive leagues in the entire country, every year, every age group.NO state association in the US turns out more D1 players year in and year out than CAS.

CAS with the most D1's every year? That's what we're relating U13 to? I guess it has nothing to do with the fact that there's the 38 million that live in that state (what's NJ 8 million?). Or the fact that there is over 20 D1 women's soccer schools in that state and many more in neighboring states since it borders so many. So yeah, there may be some opportunities for the local ladies that play there since its easier for a college to recruit from their home state. Your statement holds little water of their teams being superior to our top teams. Check some of the higher ranked east coast college rosters and see where the girls are from. Wow!!! its amazing, must be the girls from the east can play soccer too. I'm not a MF or PDA parent, but your FCV love is kinda scary.

How do you say "GS points are a joke" when teams that collect them - in this case STA and Wildcats - do so well vs teams that do not have them - or teams that have beaten teams that "do not have them" due to circumstance??

I love how when teams like the Breakers and Storm lose it was never their “real team”.

I hate to break it to you, but most teams “real team” is the one that takes the field at tournaments. Leagues are for team development and to get “weaker” players playing time and touches. Most of the teams you play in your league are not their “real teams” so I’d take those wins with a grain of salt.

Really, who pays $1000+ to enter a tournament and play their subs? Um, no one.

So here are some “simple stats” for you:

Since summer(current roster), FCV & PDA Storm vs. top 2%(teams that contribute 7500+) at tournaments(when the starters(real teams) are playing.

Dude, Just one question - next year when FCV starts their u14 ECNL league - and their roster size jumps up to 24+. What do you think will be more important to them? League play which can get them a national title or Jefferson Cup vs non ECNL teams that will get them a medal. I'm willing to bet they use Jefferson cup to get more kids a look against quality opponents instead of playing the 1st team, I know that's a hard pill to swallow for the non-ecnl teams -they go to these tournaments with first team and guest players to win - ECNL teams use them as good good games vs top quality teams to prepare for LEAGUE games. But if it makes you feel better - TOURNAMENTS are more important than EDP, PAGS & LIJSL League games. But don't bring that argument to the plate when comparing National League, ECNL, Region1 CL & NPL - these leagues have a bigger prize than just a medal.

How is playing EDP considered tough? Please please explain. You have 1-2 games worth anything and you get to gobble points. Short sighted is on the blog again.... The girls need to be working on improving their style of play to be ready for U15-16. Anybody not doing this and instead continue to chase points, will fall behind. Happens over and over again...

Thats a big brush your using in decribing non-ecnl teams. Know for a fact Legacy never uses "guest players" and carries 17. They don't even let girls that make the team in tryouts practice till the new season starts. All player play pretty close to equal minutes (which not all parents enjoy) and usually subs come in five at a time. Someone is going to have to talk to the coach about the importance of winning those stupid medals. Sounds like another end run of "if we win we're great, but if not, then we played our lesser girls to work on skills". The grass is greener on your side of the fence because all the bullshit has been put there. Please keep it there.

Dude, why do you always feel the need to defend PL, why? You are beginning to sound like the Wildcats defender. If your team is good, they will be relevant, and will always be knocked by insecure morons. Stop protecting them, they are a legit team, be happy, and treat an negative comment as the ultimate sign of respect. Cheers!

Okay Legacy dude - not every team does what your team does that also has a WPSL team - I believe you know this to be fact. There are non-ECNL teams that carry a roster greater than 18 so obviously not all the girls can play - there are other teams that use guest players, so how do you want me to cover all these teams - I don't know maybe by lumping them in all as non-ecnl teams.

So you telling me Legacy will value Jefferson Cup medal over Region1 Champions league Title? or are you going to tell me they are the same? What if that Region1 Champions League title guaranteed a spot in National League instead of just a spot at the Region1 Championships that you can get by winning NCS? Tournaments still more important than League play?

I assume you are referring to the Lancaster Inferno. They are no longer affiliated with our club as far as I know, but even when they were, it meant nothing more than we let them use one of our fields for practice and home games. Not sure what you're getting at, but it certainly wasn't some kind of benefit to our teams training or financially.

But you're not playing in an ECNL League, you're playing in a PRE- ecnl league and 9 of the 10 teams in it know that. FCV also plays the pre-ECNL teams the older teams play but they don't call it a league or brag about the results because right now they are meaningless.

Next year is next year and the focus of what is "important" will change.

What I find "short sighted" are teams who are always focusing on "next year" without letting the girls enjoy the here and now. Half these girls won't even play in college. Many will be burnt out. Probably because many feel more like club "assets" than kids who just want to play a game and enjoy their childhood.

8:27 - this is a board to talk u13 - so excuse me for being "short sighted" and using a league that you can actually see the results to talk about, that's my bad.

Of course what's important will change from year to year. Having said that what's import to the NPL teams? Winning their league and earning a trip to a national event or playing at Jefferson cup for a medal? Also do you think thee 9 out of 10 teams will treat a game differently vs a team they play next year when it counts vs a team at any tournament they will probably never see again? And I'm short sighted, okay I'm also a shill so what ever.

8:18 Didn't say your u13 team benefits - but it was the the top of the pyramid for your club, No? NJ Wildcats have a W-League team, I would imagine some of the girls will eventually play for them when not playing College Soccer as a pathway - that wasn't the case with your WPSL team?

Other Penn Legacy dude, some results below so everyone can see what you are talking about.

legacy is a dirty team and their parents are loud. drinking on the sidelines and yelling at the other teams kids. The drinking could have something to do with all the yelling. I dont think there is any reason to yell at the other teams players.

I just do not think there is any room for alcohol at a childs sporting event. I think that tourneys should prohibit alcohol and police it. If you get caught with it you are asked to leave to fields. are you telling me you cant go a few hours without a beer? Yes, I have noticed Legacy and other teams parents sitting in tents or on the sidelines of games with beers in their hands. Cozies covering the cans but everyone knows what it is. Everyone also knows when people drink, for the most part, they get louder. Yelling at the other teams and the refs. It is a sad display. I dont want to elaborate on anything more. I hope that after the fact, the next day, some people actually feel bad at what they did or how they acted.

I have seen parents drinking at tournaments and am totally disgusted by it. I agree. There is no room for it! Drink at the hotels if you need to, not at the games! You can't call out one team though for doing this as there are MANY teams that "have that group" but it's unfortunate and don't think for a minute the other parents on the aren't embarrased by it. WE ARE!

Ya know what. This one time I saw the legacy parents have a tent up and there was strippers inside it. Now I didn't want to look, but for the sake of all the girls I went and did. Later, one my daughters wanted a drink, but I was all out of ones. Give me a frigging break!!!! Luckily your riding on such a high horse that you won't be able to smell the shit coming out of it. Does Legacy have a knucklehead parent or two? Of course (and you guys don't)? They'll get their hand slapped from time to time just like your idiot parent. Have you ever listened to your side line during a game? Sounds like a bunch of Arab women giving birth at the same time. That's why PA teams stay on their own half of the field. Is Legacy physical when needed, absolutely. But their isn't a player on the team that is "dirty". Greater Binghampton owns that honor.

Never really noticed any overt drinking, although some of the Dad’s that I have crossed paths with were a glassy eyed, but as long as he/she does not say anything stupid to our girls, or their girls. I will tolerate, and thank God that I am not in the same boat. Please don’t get me wrong, I love to have a few drinks after the games back at the hotel, or at dinner, but even then you have to be mindful of your intake. Its a vicious cycle sometimes, and some parents would do anything to make themselves seem above everyone else.

Like I said, the Lancaster Inferno have not been associated with our club for 2 years. Yes there is one former Legacy girl playing for them as compared to 6 PA Classics players. If its some sort of “pathway” or something its to them not us.

And the only thing at the “top of the pyramid” for our club are the girls. Its not about club stature or the money (we are non profit, run by volunteers with paid coaches of course)

But thanks for the fall breakdown. Not bad for a team thats only been playing 11v11 together for 5 months.

I assume you were trying to be funny so haha. 5 years together, they have accumulated 2 yellows and 0 reds. Physical yes, dirty no. As for all that drinking, I don’t know. Nobodies offered me one. Maybe I’ll bring up the lack of sharing at the next team meeting. I can tell you putting up with some of the ridiculous parents from other teams we have faced certainly made me wish I had brought a cooler, but no.

I actually could care less about the drinking as long as folks know their limitations. But since many people do not know their limitations, it's better to have a blanket rule wherein no drinking is allowed.

Legacy is a team that doesn't get down when they give up a goal or two. Perhaps the thing I admire most about those girls is the way they rally around each other when they have a setback. They do not hang their heads and try to lift each other up. They are very mentally tough.

Which is something both they and they parents should be proud of. But there are definitely a few dads on that squad that like to test the mental toughness of opponents by chirping at the opposing teams players. I've heard it.

"Not having such a great day today are you number 8?"

"Uh oh. Here come the tears. Here comes the waterworks!"

And then, after I tell them not to yell at our players, they switch to "Way to let them know you're there, Maggie!" after Maggie has given a nice forearm to the back.

Completely unnecessary stuff. But there are always going to be parents who want to insert themselves into the action. Who want to feel that they helped, even if just a little, the team win.

And it simply is not true that every team has knuckleheads who do this. This is the only team I've heard that chirps at opposing players.

It was good to see a few normal people acknowledge that every team has one or a few knuckleheads. Whether its PL, MF or Wildcats or whatever. There was even a post of how ridiculous its is to consider putting 7th graders and D1 soccer in the same breath (that was refreshing). Sorry to say the one post is wrong though, NJ teams we play always have parents spread throughout both halves. I asked one parent why that is and he told me just wait a few minutes and listen, then I would understand. An arab women giving birth a racist remark? Keep riding that horse bud.

You mean the best team in NJ, where all the girls actually get to play every game, the parents and players get along? Thats the same team that just won their state cup and is going to regionals and was also accepted into the best league in the region? Please tell me why thats a bad thing!

Having played them this fall, I am looking forward to at least 2 or maybe three more meetings this spring/summer. Great team & parents. Wait maybe I have them confused with someone else, I’m usually drunk at the games.

Hey PDA daddy, just curious, who do you think would win a game between the Hereford Hurricanes(2843) and the Strike FC Premier(2689) you guys played at the Eclipse Cup? No matter, much like our teams they will likely never play. Fortunately we played Hereford 30 minutes from home, you guys traveled to Ill to play those teams. What was that like $1000/player? One decent game? Anyway you should know that despite their record Hereford had a couple decent players and they were a good warmup for Athletico(74) who our girls beat 3-0 later that day. You guys played Athletico as well right? At EDP Cup? 2-1 was it? Well I guess thats almost as good. You probably just "had some injuries, and the ref. was bad, and they were mean” Or is this one of the times you didn’t bring your “real team”(Do they ever play BTW?)

Best league in region? Come on now. Who is drinking the kool aid. Time and time again it is proven that ECNL starting next year will be far and away the best league. Let's keep it real. Other league is a great option, if all of those teams stay they way they are and best players do not make moves. Which changes things drastically. Again, the jumping of top players has a proven track record as well as ECNL..... Could this league work out? Yes. But as usual, the ECNL is a proven elite league.....

I love the PA, MA and VA talk and sometimes MD talk thrown in with the NY and NJ talk.

Keep it coming sorry for my ignorance - I thought the WPSL (Division 2) team represented PennLegacy at that level like the W-League (Division 2) NJ Wildcats represent their youth teams. Just assumed it was a pathway - my bad.

It's kind of cool.

PL there is a nice tournament in April in NJ - where I am sure many top teams will be - try your luck talk to your coach - you don't have to drive 6 hours to get some quality games and who knows you might even wind up in the same bracket as Storm or Tophat, FC Stars, FCV, Boston, CT or Creeks from FL of course if you think these are top flight teams.

11:18 - Yes, we did have a great game this past fall when we played didn't we?Came down to the very last minute and hotly contested all the way through.Both teams left it all on the field and brought it the whole game.Players got knocked down and got right back up.And best part no excuses afterward.And neither side came on the blog and attacked the other afterwards.

When you say something like that, that belittles the event and the teams that play in it. If that is true why dont tourneys just put all the ECNL teams together and Non ECNL teams together. That way the teams that really want to play and win can play each other. The teams that want to play friendlies can then play each other.

So 12:56 your saying that everyone plays on ecnl teams ONLY when they play in those meaningless tournaments, not in your league games.Interesting because on our team EVERYONE plays EVERY GAME, league AND tournaments..sure wouldn't want my daughter to be on one of those ecnl teams and only get to play and develop in " a few meaningless games". wonder what message about their value as players is sent to those girls who only play in what is openly discussed by all the coaches and parents and players as meaningless games.How do they feel when they don't get to play in those meaningful league games.You have reinforced our decision to stay put.

1:11 Why are you taking it personally. It doesn't "belittle" anything. These teams start every season with one thingin mind - 1 ECNL National Title, they shouldn't be blamed for this and what better way for them to test girls that don't play as much in games that count than to play top teams in a tournament with nothing on the line for them. If they play friendlies both teams have nothing on the line, but if one team needs a good result to maintain high flights - then that's what they would be looking for. Wouldn't you??? The Non-ECNL team needs the tournament to be flighted high in showcase tournaments. The ECNL teams gets a look at other players playing top teams to simulate a league game for these players they are trying to evaluate. How does this "belittle" anything.

PS. Tournaments use the ECNL teams to draw teams to their event like MSC.

"The MSC Kick-Off Classic is home to ECNL, USSF, REGION One, NERP, NPL, EDP, US Club, ENYSSA and top international teams." They keep their applied team hidden so more teams apply that are looking to play these types of teams. While on the flip side FC Delco has their applied team visible from day 1 both are used to draw teams to their event and they won't put them in the same flight because that doesn't help anyone.

1:45 I don't like the expanded rosters but they do serve a purpose in developing top talent. Reading your post - do you think kids only develop by playing games? or you only watch them play in games and don't stick around when they train because it's PRACTICE?

Just looking at EPYSA ODP page how do all those 25 girls (2000 team) benefit in playing games when they only roster 18? or how do the girls from region 1 ODP benefit if they don't get invited to play in Cosata Rica? Oh then it's okay because they are competing for playing time but it's not okay to compete every day for playing time?

I demand a recount. Thanks for the research. But it is only one site, most people don't even know what it is or refuse to read it because the assumption is that it's an ECNL front that also covers Boys Academy, Boys and Girls HS soccer, college, etc

One of the biggest problems with American soccer is that we OVER-TRAIN these kids. They need to be out on the pitch, playing real soccer, learning from their mistakes, and developing creativity. Instead we hire coaches to drill into them exactly what to do at all times on the field, continually correcting every "mistake" from the sideline and expecting them to execute the coaches gameplan flawlessly. Sorry, the best "training" is playing. Oh, it's also the most fun.

Helped you in deciding to stay put 12:56? Most sheep do not get to venture outside of their protected gate and only get to graze on the grass their told to eat.(Even if the bulls have crapped there first). Because their owners know whats best for them and their little lambs (or don't want them to see whats out there). Yes, of course you will stay put.

New York Times:How a Soccer Star Is Made"Ajax puts young players into a competitive caldron, a culture of constant improvement in which they either survive and advance or are discarded. It is not what most would regard as a child-friendly environment, but it is one that sorts out the real prodigies — those capable of playing at an elite international level — from the merely gifted."

"EARLY IN EACH NEW calendar year, youngsters in the Ajax academy are given preliminary notice of their status. Some are told they are secure, others that they are in danger of being sent away in the spring"

Growth Level (Ages 13-17) “The developmental years”

– Dynamics• Players start to take the game more seriously; participation numbers drop off• Still an emphasis on those who stand out physically• Over-emphasis on winning in this age group• For many, the end objective is college

– Assessment Summary• Need to eliminate clutter in the environment – elite players are stretched too thin• Clubs drive this age group due to everyday interaction• Meaningful training is important

The quality of the player’s soccer experience ismore important than the quantity

OR you can listen to 2:27 who likes quantity over quality for fun. I guess that depends on your kid and what her dreams are.

Better Coaches, better club philosophy on development not team - Club?

Some teams talk the game but don't walk the walk - it's more about the coach than the kids - and it's simple if they don't follow the USSF guidelines because they know better you have your answer, about who's more important the kid's development or the coach's resume.

3:35, there are very few clubs that meet that criteria, and we are very fortunate to belong to one. Whether her teams wins, or loses I know she is getting the best training. What she ultimately does with that is her choice, but I feel confident that I have brought her to the best of the best.

1:11PM, you have to know that 12:56PM says that because he/she knows that playing tournaments is a no-win situation for ECNL clubs like PDA, so they have to preemptively justify any loss they may endure. Otherwise, if they win, well of course they did. They were supposed to. But if they lose, well, clearly it couldn't possibly be because the other team was better. How could they be if they don't have those four pretty letters after their name? It was only ever about team bonding for them. Can't put too much stock in the losses.

4:19 you are so right, LOL.And they think none of us are sharp enough to figure out there game.And you have to love 3:28 post.Like all these kids at these ecnl clubs are a candidate for the level of soccer they are preparing kids ID'd by Ajhax are preparing for.coe on Man.Some of the kids on storm will be lucky to play low level D1 or D2 or D3.At least half of that current storm team will be replaced in the next 3 years by players who never even have been to pda complex and are now being developed elsewhere by the very coaches and trainers these pda coaches and shills are now on the blog knocking as using an inferior training and development program.If the program they have in place was really superior, then why are they always on the blog trying to convince us that we have to move our kids there as it is the best route to the next level? Why even waste their breathe as if they really believed their baloney they would have no interest in players being developed in these inferior leagues by these inferior coaches and trainers who are not teaching them the right way to play,etc. and inferior programs and leagues and their in house model would produce all their players from their A, B and C Teams.Right?NO?Why not?How is it that a player who has been ding everything wrong for 5 or 6 years show up at U15 or U16 and beat out their in house player who has been groomed by their master training program for those same 5 or 6 years?

A top player can come from anywhere but most are good players on these higher level teams. Parents may look at them as top players but they are merely good strong players. The good strong players will not replace any starter at PDA after u14. But a top player will be invited in at any time.

if your child is the best player on Wildcats, she can step in at any time but not the others. I think that whats everyone is missing. All parents think that their good player is better than the other good player that PDA has trained for years.

The reality of the situation is that these good players are often disappointed at tryouts.

I'm not a NJ parent, but I've seen the Pretty Dumb Academy teams play. Your trying to say that the top players from the top teams on ECNL, NPL and PAGS teams wouldn't make it on yours at U14? That might be the dumbest statement that has been on this blog today (and there has been alot of them). Just the pure athleticism of some of the top players, combined with their skills would have the PDA academy coaches trying to figure out which present PDA girls are going to be moved down or cut. When the end comes and reality hits, you are going to regret getting that PDA coaches tatoo on your chest.

8:56 is the epitome of the parents who he describes in his quote"Parents just think their player is exceptional".Your won daughter is a very average athlete in every way.lacks size, outstanding pace, physical toughness, etc.Yet what you see when you look at her is very different from that reality.she will be soon relegated to a small role player on Storm if it hasn't happened already, replaced by a better athlete with more upside.

9:29 where are these better athletes that are willing to move? How many game changers do we have that are WILLING TO MOVE? a handful? The others are all very nice soccer players of which PDA & MF already have approx 160 girls.

I also think the longer the girls wait the harder it will be for them to take an ECNL roster spot. But that doesn't mean it can't happen, all I am is a yahoo posting his opinion.

9:10 I think PA is another animal. FC Bucks and CFC Delco are still building and based on their results could use some help.

FC Bucks scored more goals than FSA, WC, Albertson & CFC Delco.

They were 1 behind PennFusion and 2 behind CT FC and only 5 behind MF. Their problem is that they gave 48 and were 1 of 3 teams that gave up more than 20.

CFC Delco needs offensive help and some defensive help.

So in PA a lot more opportunities exist if parents feel a move is needed.

WC also a player for some NJ girls that might not have a shot at MF or PDA or is just to long a ride.

EM & Albertson have Long Island on lock down, now they just need to figure out how to get the Queens/Brooklyn kids out there before Met Oval & or Gottschee decide to get into the girls market. If EM problems don't go away would ECNL slot move to the city and give Albertson long island?

That could open the door to another NJ Club - possibly down south SJEB, NJ Wildcats or another? WOW what would that do NJ Soccer? Ajax and NJX players may opt to stay closer to home.

I don't think PA would get another since they have 3, but NY sticking with 3 makes sense WC up north, Albertson on the Island, so they would need a city Club Brooklyn/Queens or Manhattan to cover NY,NJ also make sense MF up North, PDA Central and a Mystery club down South?

Doesn't the ECNL announce their new clubs around this time if they add any?

The only girls top drawer soccer know exist are ECNL teams who list them on there, girls who PAY to have their profiles there and those that have attended TDS combines. That leaves out about 99% of the players most of whom don't know TDS exists.

You're not really such a shill that your trying to make people believe the girls from those other clubs aren't playing in college are you? How desperate are you for new players for your daughters team? Are her teammates really that bad?

Look, most of those clubs you listed will place 100% of their players into college programs. Unlike PDA you can go on their websites and see where all their former players are now playing in college and look at their track record. Are they all D1, nope, but you'll find at the ECNL clubs half go D2 or D3 as well. That's probably why PDA doesn't list theirs on their website. And what about the other 60 or so u-18s playing at PDA right now, are they not playing college?

That was just a pathetic and deceptive post. In the future please try harder!

Fell free to post a breakdown of those 60, # D1 vs 2 vs 3. Are we talking UVA, Rutgers, Appalacia State? Tremor community college? Again if PDA is doing such a good job and is proud of their placements, why do they only post boys college choices on their website?

Fell free to post a breakdown of those 60, # D1 vs 2 vs 3. Are we talking UVA, Rutgers, Appalacia State? Tremor community college? Again if PDA is doing such a good job and is proud of their placements, why do they only post boys college choices on their website?"

I must say that this poster is very vested in trying to bring PDA down to a level with other clubs.

You are so off base about this that its makes you look like you have no idea about the landscape. It is probably your first time around and you are not fact checking for yourself. I am betting you are regurgitating whatever it is your club is saying to its parents. Its not hard to check for yourself.

Thank you but I am very aware of the landscape and where PDA falls into it. Many of the clubs listed by 6:12 as having only 1 or 2 commitments in fact have their entire rosters committed, just don't advertise it on Top Drawer. If 6:39 was not the original poster, then I apologize but he may want to do some fact checking of his own. He mentioned the Wildcats first( not surprising) saying no commitments, so go to their website. 17 commitments so far. More than any other ECNL club listed other than PDA of course.

PrincetonUniversity of PennTowsonVCUUniv of Rhode Island etc

You can check the other clubs websites yourself. I am curious why PDA takes theirs down. I suspect they want everyone to think even their b&c teams all go D1 as well. PDA may be the best girls club in the country but even they don't live up to the perception their marketing department puts out. That's why I asked for the breakdown d1vs2vs3.

I would say that's an impressive list for PDA, but what do I know. I just regurgitate what I'm told.

Question - Are commitments & scholarships one in the same? If not, then who cares? I'm more interested in what/how many players from a club got scholarships as that is an indication of a superior (or inferior) soccer program. Or am I missing something?

You are missing something. My daughter is playing ivy and I dint get a dime because I'm a white male born in the usa and I pay a lot of taxes. But she never would have been accepted without soccer. She started as freshman and they wanted her to play lacrosse as well. She is an athlete and was offered a lot from many other schools. Every school we looked at was for education, not the money. Soccer can help in more ways than money, it's about life after soccer.

"Colorado Rush forward Lindsey Horan has signed a 2-year contract with French professional side Paris St. Germain. In signing the deal, Horan walks away from a scholarship with the University of North Carolina. Horan’s deal was reported by one outlet to be worth a yearly salary in six figures."

8:06, 9:01 - If the only thing you are interested in is Scholarship money then I feel bad for you and your Daughter. The education she will get possibly because of soccer is worth a lot more then a few thousand dollars

8:14 - it is great your daughter took the education. I want my daughter to go to an IVY league school too. I hope soccer helps her get in.

9:34 This is a board to talk about soccer? No? I think we all know that an education is number 1 and that there is life after soccer - it scares me that you don't see that. I actually feel bad for your daughter.

I think that their performance will dictate that. If they get smacked around, and lose all 3 games, it will affect their placement. But the PDA tourney is before that, and I am sure PL will apply for that.

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